The Story
English
The Book of Documents teaches: "Fullness brings loss. Humility brings gain." The vessel that is already full cannot receive more. The vessel that is empty can be filled. Pride closes the door to growth; humility opens it.
中文
满招损，谦受益。
Original Classical Chinese · 原文
满招损，谦受益。
Reflection & Analysis · 寓意解读
Core Wisdom
The cup that overflows cannot hold more water. The mind that overflows with pride cannot hold more wisdom.
This is one of the oldest maxims in Chinese — from the most ancient of the Five Classics. Its logic is physical: a full vessel spills; an empty vessel receives. Applied to character, it means that the person who thinks they know everything cannot learn, while the person who admits ignorance can.